March 30, 2023

Action Items

Cyber Corner: Episode 9a of the STP Podcast – Hacker Hank Hilariously Explains How to Avoid a Cyberattack!

In this special episode (Cyber Bytes #1 – Hank’s Hacks!), host Scott Houston introduces the first of several short cyber security training videos. This isn’t some boring webinar. No way. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy, Ryan Burns, and his buddy Hacker Hank as they discuss “Hank’s Hacks,” which are the most common ways a hacker tricks local government employees into sending money, downloading ransomware, and more.

This video is hilarious!  You can listen in traditional podcast format, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t watch the nine-minute YouTube video version linked next to this episode! If you can identify which pool employee plays Hacker Hank, email Scott at scott.houston@tmlirp.org for the chance to win a prize!

STP episodes are short and informative, with short being the key – no episode is longer than 15 minutes. Check one out today!

Member Updates due April 1, 2023

The Pool requires Members to annually update their information to ensure proper coverage. The process ensures the success of our partnership because it helps us plan for appropriate and stable rates. Please help us by completing the following two-step process:

1. Automobile and Property Schedule Updates: Please go to the Pool’s Member Portal and download your current Automobile, Real & Personal Property, and Mobile Equipment schedules in Excel format. Please make changes, additions, and deletions in the spreadsheets and return them as attachments via email to your Member Services Manager. (Don’t know your MSM? Find them on this map or by emailing Janet Mata at jmata@tmlirp.org.) No changes? Let your MSM know that as well. The Pool requires each Member to annually provide the Pool with a statement of 100% values for all buildings, structures, personal property (contents), and mobile equipment to be covered for the following year.
2. Liability Exclusions: Please fill out this form to indicate activities that you have added or will add (that has not been previously reported) and return to your MSM via email. The activities listed therein are EXCLUDED from Liability Coverage if not reported, so pay special attention to them. No changes? Please check the appropriate box on the form, sign, and return to your MSM via email.

Updates that are returned to the Pool prior to April 1, 2023, will be used to calculate the rerate contributions that will appear on the Declarations of Coverage.  (Changes received after that date may not appear on the initial documents but can be processed afterward via endorsement.)

Please contact your MSM or Janet Mata with questions.

Updates and More

T.I.P.S. Sheet: Confined Space Awareness

A confined space is any location large enough that an employee can enter and perform work, that has limited openings for entry and egress, and that is not intended for continuous employee occupancy. Examples of confined spaces include manholes, lift stations, pipes, storage tanks, trailers, tank cars, pits, sumps, hoppers, and bins. Entry into confined spaces without proper precautions could result in injury, impairment, or death.

*Member supervisors should use T.I.P.S. sheets, which are available on dozens of topics, to lead brief, weekly toolbox/tailgate trainings.

Member Spotlight: City of South Padre Island Accident and Incident Reporting Kit 

The mission of the City of South Padre Island Safety Committee is to promote a safe working environment by fostering a strong awareness of occupational safety/security and reducing or eliminating accidents and injuries throughout the workplace. The committee consists of staff representatives from departments across the city that provide diverse input and valuable feedback on safety program initiatives.   

One of the initiatives created by members of the Safety Committee ensures employees know what to do in case of a motor vehicle accident – an important part of the City’s risk management process.  The committee customized the Pool’s Loss Prevention’s Sample Accident and Incident Reporting Kit (English Version/Spanish Version) to fit their needs. The kit is a bright tri-fold that is placed in the glove compartment of all city units as a reference. The City Employee Safety and Vehicle/Management policies are listed along with important contacts who employees should call as soon as possible for reporting purposes.  

According to SPI Human Resource Manager Wendy Saldana, “The report kits have been a great success in helping staff report accidents/incidents in a timely manner and develop appropriate action to possibly prevent future occurrences.” To enhance their safety and risk management efforts, city staff continue to use various training methods to engage all employees, including the Pool’s offerings of the online and multi-media center, and in-person training programs.